Arsenal legend suggests signing two stars to make club ‘the real deal’

Former Arsenal forward Charlie Nicholas has claimed the Gunners are close to being ‘the real deal’ and believes they are just a couple of quality signings away from being an elite side in the Premier League once more.

Nicholas told Sky Sports his former club can close the gap on the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City next season by signing another central defender and a high-quality holding midfielder.

“I still think they’re two players away from being the real deal but I think Wenger is getting close to identifying who those players are,” Nicholas said.

“It’s the defence and the protection of the defence that need attention, he recognises that now.”

Nicholas was quick to heap praise on Francis Coquelin, who has impressed this season, but highlights depth is key and that Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin is the type of player who could be the right move.